Let’s be real: the first trimester is WILD.
You’re (probably) not showing yet, you’re (definitely) exhausted, and you might feel like a hungover raccoon with an identity crisis.
If you just found out you’re pregnant: breathe. You’re not crazy. You’re growing an actual human.
Here’s what actually helped me survive those first 12 weeks — physically, emotionally, and hormonally — with real advice and stuff I actually used.
🧪 The Pregnancy Test I Took… and Took Again
Even though it was clearly positive, I still took like five tests. You probably will too.
👉 Clearblue 5-Pack Pregnancy Tests (Amazon)
🩸 Cramps in Early Pregnancy — Normal and Freaky
Let’s talk about cramps. Because no one does, and they can feel exactly like your period is coming.
What’s happening:
- Your uterus is already expanding and stretching
- Blood flow to your pelvis is increasing big time
- Implantation can cause twinges, pinches, or dull aches
💡 It’s normal to feel some pressure, weird sensations, or one-sided cramps early on.
As long as there’s no severe pain or heavy bleeding, mild cramps are totally normal — even daily.
I had so many days of “I swear my period is about to start.” It didn’t. You’re not alone.
🌿 The Prenatal Vitamins I Actually Stuck With
👉 Nature Made Prenatal Vitamins with DHA (Amazon)
📖 The Classic Book That Still Slaps
👉 What to Expect When You’re Expecting (Amazon)
🤢 Nausea Relief: What Helped (A Little)
Ginger Chews
👉 Gin Gins Ginger Chews (Amazon)
Sea-Bands
👉 Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Wristbands (Amazon)
Other little things:
- Saltines in bed before sitting up
- Cold fruit (frozen grapes = elite)
- Lemon water, mint tea, fresh air
🛏️ The Sleep Setup That Saved Me
👉 PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow (Amazon)
🧺 What No One Tells You (But I Will)
- You might cry because the toast is too crunchy
- You might feel like you’re not pregnant enough to “count,” but you 100% do
- You don’t need to do a thing today except exist and grow
Even if your kitchen is a disaster, your Google history is terrifying, and you're 70% bagel right now — you are doing something huge.
🛒 First Trimester Starter Kit
You’ve got this.
You are not alone. Your body is doing work no one can see — and you’re doing an amazing job.
If you need to cry, nap, or read this 12 times — do it. You’re already a good mom.
Disclaimer: Some of these are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I actually use and love.